EURO 2020 QUARTER-FINALS

SportsBeat!

Written by Aaron Cantin

What. Is. Going. On. Euro 2020 has been nothing short of breathtaking with upsets stealing the spotlight. If you would’ve told me France, Netherlands, Portugal, and Germany were all eliminated before the quarter-finals I would’ve told you you're mad. That's the crazy reality we’re facing though. England even beat Germany!! That has not happened in a tournament for decades. Despite the favorites dropping like flies, there are still plenty of mouth-watering matchups left in store. Here's a look at the odds to win Euro 2020 heading into the quarters.

Source: Pool via REUTERS

Italy +400 Belgium +700 Denmark +1000 Switzerland +2500 Czech Republic +2500 Ukraine +3300

England enters as the favorites not only because of their form and defensive strength but also because of the side of the bracket they are on. They will face Ukraine and if they win, they will meet the winner of Denmark vs the Czech Republic. The path to the finals has never been more clear. Still, it's England. They have a tendency of blowing it. It’s odd because with so many strong sides collapsing, the three lions look the most solid. Still, Belgium at +700 is, without doubt, the best value bet on the board. Let’s look at each game.

Belgium vs. Italy

Belgium: +240

Tie: +215

Italy: +133

At least one major team bettors are backing to win the tournament and will be going home. This is also the match to watch in my opinion. Belgium’s golden generation is fighting for an elusive trophy while Italy looks to use its new style to capture European glory. It’s a shame these teams have to meet this early, but sometimes that’s how the bracket breaks. Italy is deservedly favored, but Belgium is no pushover in this contest. The biggest issue is Belgium's injuries. If Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard both cannot go, they will be heavy underdogs. This one is best to wait until game day to find out the health of those two players. If De Bruyne specifically is playing, jump all over Belgium.

Czech Republic vs Denmark

Czech Republic: +285

Tie: +225

Denmark: +112

Denmark continues to surprise fans and bettors. After dropping the opening two games of the group stage, the Danes have scored four goals in back-to-back matches and look like a much different side. Eriksen has become a rallying symbol for the group and they should be favored against Czech Republic. One of these underdogs is going to make the semifinals but I wish both of them could. It's difficult to look past Denmark's feel-good story. At the same time, the Czech has not only exceeded expectations, but they’ve also looked like one of the strongest sides in the round of 16. I expect an exciting match, with mistakes and goals. Give me both teams to score and Denmark qualify.

Spain vs Switzerland

Spain: -134

Tie: +250

Switzerland: +440

Spain is the big favorite and has broken out in the last two games. The team has five goals in each of its last two games, against Slovakia and Croatia, and will look to keep its offensive output going against a Switzerland team that allowed three goals to France. However, that must be taken with a grain of salt. The Spanish side put two goals away in extra time against Croatia. They also allowed three and were trailing in that game. The Swiss meanwhile has been a resilient group and has the experience to cause Spain plenty of problems. They just knocked off the world champions and heavy title favorites France and have nothing to lose. They will be able to play much more freely. Take the over in this game and consider a tie as a strong underdog bet.

England vs Ukraine

England: -225

Tie: +333

Ukraine: +700

England heads to Rome for the next step in their bid to win Euro 2020 as they take on Ukraine on Saturday. A 2-0 win over Germany, they're first in a tournament knockout stage since the 1966 World Cup Final, has the country once again dreaming. Playing away from Wembley for the first time in the tournament, it’ll be all eyes on the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday night, with the winner taking on be the Czech Republic or Denmark for a place in the Final.

While seeing England here isn’t that of a big surprise, there aren’t many who gave Ukraine a chance to enter the top eight football teams in Europe. However, Andriy Shevchenko’s side showed that they fully deserved to be here, following very good performances since the start of the campaign. England didn’t shine, but their ultra-defensive style of play paid off, and Gareth Southgate now has to keep his boys alarmed and sharp enough to continue with the same approach. Any team that has +700 odds and has won a knockout game is worth considering, but that's where it ends. England has yet to allow a goal this tournament and I don’t see that changing. Take the British to qualify without allowing a goal.